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Kasey Kahne will be released from his Hendrick Motorsports contract at the end of the season. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Kasey Kahne will not return to Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR team in 2018

The flagship Chevrolet team will announce their plans for the No. 5 at a later date

August 7, 2017

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Kasey Kahne will not return to Hendrick Motorsports next season.

Despite having one more year remaining on his NASCAR contract, Hendrick has instead decided to release the 37-year-old following the 2017 season. His recent Brickyard 400 triumph notwithstanding, his recent struggles, combined with the loss of sponsors Great Clips and Farmers, likely played into the decision.

Team owner Rick Hendrick said in a statement that HMS will announce their plans for a four-car effort next season at a later date.

"Kasey has worked extremely hard," Hendrick said. "He’s a tremendous teammate and person, and he has been totally dedicated to our program since day one. I’ve always believed that he’s a special talent, and I know he will thrive in the right situation. We will do everything we can to finish the season as strong as we can."

Kahne joined the organization in 2012 and has won six of his 18 total victories with HMS. He signed an extension in November 2014 once Jeff Gordon opted to retire after the 2015 season. But Kahne has struggled in recent seasons, only recently ending a three-year winless drought.

"I’d like to thank Rick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for their hard work and dedication, along with providing me a great opportunity and success over the last six years," Kahne said. "We won six races together, and I'm coming off of one of the biggest wins of my career at the Brickyard, which has given the 5 team a lot of momentum heading into the playoffs.

"We still have a lot of racing left in 2017, and finishing strong is our top priority. I look forward to what the next chapter in my career holds."